6 set off from the car park at Brindle
not needing waterproofs - yes the rain had actually stopped. The air
was fresh and the sky blue with high intermittent cloud. Leaving
Brindle we crossed very muddy fields (This was very much in the
'Phil walk' category) before dropping down to the Leeds and
Liverpool canal at Withnell Fold. From here we climbed gently up to
Snape's Heights where we crossed a private airfield. There were good
views from here over to Withnell quarry which can’t be seen from the
road. We crossed Wheelton Moor stopping for a tea break at Solomon’s
Temple. From here we followed a well defined path turning right at a
junction dropping down to White Coppice. This section of the path
has now been severely damaged by mountain bikes which is a great
shame as this used to be a very pleasant track to walk. From White
Coppice we followed the River Goit along a very muddy path, being
reconstructed to create the Pennine Bridleway Feeder Route - 'The
Goit Route'. We crossed
more muddy fields through Higher Wheelton and then on to our
destination car park at Brindle. Eric christened this the
“Stylistics” walk due to the numerous styles of varying height,
design and wobbliness.
Overall the weather was good! The company excellent but Cuckoos are
only heard in April.

Scroll down to see photos of the walk

John and Eric take care over the bridge which is very slippery

Leeds and Liverpool canal at Withnell Fold . . .

where there used to be a paper mill

Now the area has been developed with some modern housing

The Reading Room has been restored as a dwelling place. It was
built in 1890 for the benefit of the mill workers and their families. It was
equipped with a billiard table, reading room with current periodicals, and
upstairs a stage and concert hall with a ‘sprung’ dance floor. Many dances and
functions were held in the Reading Room and people would come from miles around.
In the 1930’s a pianist used to travel from Blackburn to provide music for
various concerts. She was Kathleen Ferrier (1912-1953) and was a frequent
visitor to Withnell Fold. She entered a singing competition in Carlisle and won.
Singing soon took over from the piano and during the 1940’s and early 50’s she
went on to become a world famous contralto singer.

Surrounding the village green are rows of old cottages

The local residents don't look too happy with the damp morning . . .

but we enjoy a splendid green path . . .

before heading down towards Withnell

A lone tree stands proud on the moors - Darwen Tower (Jubilee Tower) can just be
seen on the horizon to the left

The ruined building at Solomon's Temple makes a good spot for elevenses . . .

and has a surprisingly intact window

Heading down to White Coppice . . .

best known for its picturesque cricket ground

The fence around the reservoir tells its own story . . .

but further along the path there is a more photogenic view with Grain Pole Hill
in the distance